DEVICES AND EQUIPMENT
THAT MAKE WORKERS SAFE FROM
BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
GROUP D | DELOS SANTOS, PALENCIA, PAYTE, ROSERO
OBJECTIVES
To identify different equipment that makes
workers safe from Biological Hazards
To determine how these devices
contribute to a safe working environment
To explain how each device functions to
mitigate risks
BIOSAFETY CABINETS
KEY FEATURES:
1. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) Filters
Purify air entering and exiting the cabinet
Remove 99.97% of particles ≥0.3 microns, including
microorganisms
2. UV Germicidal Lamps
Decontaminate the interior when not in use, further
ensuring sterility
3. Alarms and Monitoring
Ensure proper airflow and filter integrity
One type of biocontainment equipment used in
biological laboratories to provide personnel,
4. Easy-to-Clean Surfaces
environmental, and product protection
Stainless steel or non-porous materials for easy
decontamination
BIOSAFETY CABINETS
BASIC FUNCTIONS:
1. Airflow System:
Inward airflow: Air is drawn into the cabinet
through the front opening, preventing
contaminants from escaping.
Downward airflow: Filtered air flows downward
over the work surface, protecting the materials
being handled.
Exhaust airflow: Contaminated air is filtered
through the HEPA filter before being recirculated
into the room or expelled outside.
One type of biocontainment equipment used in
biological laboratories to provide personnel, 2. Ergonomic and Safe Workspace
environmental, and product protection The front sash (glass window) provides a physical
barrier, protecting workers from splashes or spills.
BIOSAFETY CABINETS
BASIC FUNCTIONS:
3. Safe Handling of Infectious Agents:
Provide a controlled environment for working
with hazardous materials, such as pathogens,
toxins, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Prevent cross-contamination between samples
and experiments
Prevent the release of harmful biological agents
into the environment by filtering exhaust air
through HEPA filters
One type of biocontainment equipment used in
biological laboratories to provide personnel, 4. Compliance with Safety Standards
environmental, and product protection Help laboratories comply with biosafety
regulations and guidelines for handling hazardous
biological materials
EYE WASH AND EMERGENCY
SHOWER STATION
BASIC FUNCTI ONS:
Eye wash stations are designed to flush the eyes with a
steady stream of clean water or saline solution to
remove contaminants.
They are typically activated by a push handle, lever, or
foot pedal, allowing for hands-free operation.
The water flow is gentle to avoid further injury to the
eyes.
Emergency showers are designed to drench the entire
body with a large volume of water to remove hazardous
substances from the skin and clothing.
They are activated by a pull handle or push plate, which
starts a deluge of water from an overhead showerhead.
The water flow is strong enough to rinse off
contaminants but not so forceful as to cause injury.
KEY FEATURES
1. Hands-Free Operation:
2. Tepid Water Supply:
Both eye wash stations and emergency showers are
Delivers water at a comfortable temperature (typically
designed for hands-free activation, ensuring workers
60-100°F or 16-38°C) to prevent thermal shock or
can use them even if their hands are contaminated or hypothermia during prolonged use.
injured.
3. Continuous Flow: 4. Accessible Location:
Eye wash stations provide at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted Both devices are positioned within 10 seconds of
flushing to thoroughly remove contaminants from the eyes. walking distance from hazardous areas and are free
Emergency showers deliver at least 20 gallons (75.7 liters) of from obstructions to ensure quick access during
water per minute to ensure thorough decontamination of the body. emergencies.
6. Regular Maintenance:
5. Clear Signage: Equipped with covers to prevent dust or debris from
Labeled with highly visible signs to ensure quick contaminating the nozzles.
Routinely tested (weekly for operation and annually for
identification during emergencies.
compliance) to ensure proper function.
7. Drainage System:
Emergency showers are equipped with floor drains to
prevent water accumulation and slipping hazards.
LOCAL EXHAUST VENTILATION
(LEV)
BASIC FUNCTI ONS:
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
functions by capturing airborne
contaminants like dust, fumes, and
vapors at their source, removing
them from the work area through a
hood and duct system, and expelling
them outside, effectively minimizing
worker exposure to hazardous
substances by preventing them from
spreading into the surrounding air.
KEY FEATURES
1. DISCHARGE POINT: A SAFE POINT OF AIR EXHAUST
2. AIRFLOW INDICATOR: USED TO ENSURE THE SYSTEM IS WORKING
PROPERLY
3. AIR MONITORING: DONE BY A COMPETENT PERSON
4. REGULAR INSPECTION, TESTING, AND MAINTENANCE: ENSURES THE
SYSTEM IS WORKING PROPERLY AND IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH
REGULATIONS
5. PROTECTS EMPLOYEES FROM DANGEROUS CHEMICALS
6. HELPS BUSINESSES AVOID LEGAL CONSEQUENCES
7. CAN BE CUSTOMIZED TO FIT THE NEEDS OF ANY WORK PROCESS OR
FACILITY LAYOUT
8. MITIGATES THE RISK OF RESPIRATORY AND HEALTH
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT &
SANITATION AND HYGIENE TOOLS
BASIC FUNCTI ONS:
Face Masks: Protect against airborne pathogens.
Gloves: Prevent direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
Face Shields/Goggles: Protect eyes from splashes or droplets.
Protective Gowns/Aprons: Shield clothing and skin from exposure.
Shoe Covers: Prevent tracking biological
Hand Sanitizer (Alcohol-Based): For regular hand hygiene when soap isn't
available
Disinfectant Wipes: Clean shared tools, desks, and high-touch surfaces
Tissue and Paper Towels: For respiratory hygiene and cleaning.
Foot Pedal Trash Bins: For safe disposal of used PPE and tissues.
KEY FEATURES
1. Full Coverage Protection: 2. Durable and Safe Materials:
• Protective gowns and aprons are designed to shield the user’s body and • All PPE is manufactured from high-quality, non-toxic materials that
clothing from splashes, droplets, and other biological contaminants. Shoe provide an effective barrier against biological hazards. For example,
covers add an extra layer of defense, preventing hazardous materials from gloves resist punctures and chemicals, while masks filter airborne
being tracked through clean areas, maintaining safety and hygiene. particles, ensuring the wearer’s safety.
3. Easy Identification: 4. Single-Use or Reusable Options:
• PPE varies in terms of usage. Items like surgical masks and nitrile
• Many PPE items come with clear labeling or color coding to help
gloves are designed for single use and should be properly disposed
users quickly identify their purpose. For instance, sterile gloves are
of after one use. Others, such as goggles and face shields, are
often marked differently from non-sterile ones, helping avoid cross-
reusable and can be disinfected after each use to maintain hygiene
contamination during sensitive tasks.
and functionality.
6. Quick Hand Cleaning:
5. Proper Disposal Systems:
•Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a fast and efficient way to
•Used PPE must be disposed of in designated containers to prevent
disinfect hands when soap and water are not available. These
contamination spread. Foot pedal trash bins are commonly used,
sanitizers kill most germs on contact, providing a convenient
allowing individuals to discard used items without touching the bin,
hygiene option, especially in high-traffic areas like offices,
reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
schools, and hospitals.
KEY FEATURES
8.Safety Signage:
7.Hygienic Waste Disposal:
• Clear and visible signs are placed around sanitation stations to guide
• Foot pedal trash bins are designed to allow users to dispose of waste
users on proper hygiene practices. These signs often include
without directly touching the bin. This hands-free operation reduces the
reminders to sanitize hands, dispose of waste properly, and follow
spread of germs and is especially important for disposing of contaminated
safety protocols, promoting a culture of cleanliness and safety in
items like used tissues, gloves, or disinfectant wipes.
shared spaces.
9. Visible Placement: 10. Respiratory Hygiene:
• Sanitation tools are strategically placed in high-traffic and high-risk areas to • Tissue and paper towels play a crucial role in promoting good
encourage regular use. Hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, and trash bins are respiratory hygiene. They allow individuals to cover their mouths and
placed in easily accessible locations, such as near entrances, exits, and noses when coughing or sneezing, preventing the spread of airborne
communal spaces, ensuring they are readily available when needed. droplets. Paper towels are also used for drying hands and cleaning
surfaces.
References:
Biosafety Cabinets. (n.d.).
https://aspr.hhs.gov/S3/Pages/Bios
afety-Cabinets.aspx
Monmouth Scientific Limited.
(2022, February 10). Class 2
Biological Safety cabinet [Video].
YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=mOckoG57Dt0
THANK YOU
